Forum: Soup kitchen in Geylang Serai could help meet needs of elderly, low-income
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I refer to the two articles, “ Malnutrition rates rising among older Singaporeans You are not forgotten’: Soup kitchen in Little India celebrates Deepavali with migrant workers
As a community worker for more than 20 years, I would like to propose that the various Malay/Muslim organisations come together to operate a halal soup kitchen in Geylang Serai to serve daily meals to elderly and low-income people.
This could be similar to the soup kitchen Krsna’s Free Meals in Little India.
In Singapore, many charitable organisations distribute generous food packages of rice, cooking oil, flour and sugar to underprivileged families and individuals. While this is well intentioned, the rations are designed for those who have the means to collect the packages and cook for themselves.
There are also elderly and disabled people, or those with immediate needs who are unable to cook for themselves.
Many elderly people gather each day in Geylang Serai to overcome their boredom and loneliness by socialising with others. Some come here from as far as Jurong East and Bukit Batok to meet their friends.
At meal times, many cannot afford the cooked meals and nasi padang sold at the Geylang Serai Market and the nearby coffee shops.
Nearby mosques distribute only limited free packed food after Friday prayers and on special occasions.
Geylang Serai would be a good location to meet this real need of the community in the midst of the touristy Wisma Geylang Serai and Geylang Serai Market.
Osman V.P. Mohamed
